Steel Products | Clifton Steel

Manganese Steel FAQ

FreshySites — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 14:16:59 +0000

What is manganese steel?

Manganese steel is a steel alloy containing 11-14% manganese. It’s often referred to as Hadfield steel, or Hadfield grade, as Sir Robert Hadfield discovered it in 1882. Manganese steel is non-magnetic and is less likely to rust than carbon steel.

What makes manganese steel special?

It has an extremely high impact strength and abrasion resistance in its hardened state. Manganese steel is a steel that works harder the more it’s used- you can’t say that �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� a lot of material. In fact, you’ll often hear it described as the “ultimate work hardening steel��. Manganese steel is also considered to be an extremely hard material to machine �� it’s special in that way.

What does “Work Harden” mean?

The steel has self-hardening properties, so the more impact it takes, the harder the material becomes. Think of it as a self-renewing surface. It can achieve up to 3 times its surface hardness during impact without an increase in brittleness. Clifton Steel can pre-peen your manganese steel so it’s ready �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� service as soon as you get it if that’s something you need.

What is manganese used �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� in steel?

All steel has manganese in it! It removes oxygen and sulfur when iron ore is converted into iron, and it’s essential to convert iron into steel. Manganese decreases the brittleness of the steel and adds some toughness.

MINING INDUSTRY�� Excellent material �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� cement mixers, shovel buckets, rock crushers & sizers, or crawler treads.
AGGREGATE INDUSTRY�� Use �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� superior chute liners. As the chute work hardens, the surface of the steel becomes almost glossy, supporting material flow.
STEEL CASTING & FORGING INDUSTRY��–��Ideal �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� shot blasting cabinet liners (top left) since it hardens the more the cabinet is used. Blasting cabinet conveyor rollers are another example.
RAILROAD INDUSTRY��–��Commonly used �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� switches and crossings.
RECYCLING & SCRAP INDUSTRY���� Since manganese is nonmagnetic, it’s great �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� wear/impact plate �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� the bottom of electromagnets or��separator drums��(bottom left).

How do you cut or machine manganese steel?

Super common question about manganese is how to work with it. It’s not an easy material to machine or weld, it’s even describe it as having zero machinability. That’s not exactly the case. The reason it’s hard to work with is because the material hardens as it’s cut, so special tools and techniques are required. We’ve been doing this a long time and have the process perfected. Check out our page on��ձ�Բ��Բ��to read more about our machining capabilities.

Which is better, manganese steel or carbon steel?

That completely depends on the application. Manganese can reach a hardness score of almost 600 BHN, giving it about 5 times the hardness of mild steel, and almost 3 times the hardness of annealed stainless steel. That sounds great, but sometimes it’s not what you’re looking �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� or more than you need.��Talk to a Clifton representative��to find out if manganese is a good material �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� your project.

Did You Know?

The natural presence of manganese in the iron ore used by the Spartans is believed to be why their steel weapons were superior to those of their enemies –��USGS

The post Manganese Steel FAQ first appeared on Clifton Steel.

Differences Between 4140 Steel And 4150 Steel

FreshySites — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 14:10:01 +0000

The naming structure

Based on the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers), steels that have a naming structure of 41XX are in�ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��mally known as chromoly steel, or it is a chromium-molybdenum steel. These steels are usually much harder and tougher than normal carbon steel. Alloying elements allow the steel to be heat treated to obtain stronger physical properties. The last two digits are how much carbon is in the steel. In the case of 4140, there is .40% carbon and 4150 has a .50% carbon content.

These are both extra strong and hard alloys of steel, and are used in applications requiring higher per�ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��mance than carbon steels can typically withstand.

Differences

Tensile strength: 4150 has a higher tensile strength, meaning it has a higher threshold �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� stress be�ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��e breaking.

Ductility & workability: 4140 is more ductile, meaning it can be bent easier than 4150. It also can be used in cold working conditions while 4150 needs to be thermally treated be�ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��e �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��ming.

When to use

These types of steel are typically used in industries such as aerospace, defense, underground mining, oil and gas, or automotive. Some of the products you might use 4150 �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� are shafts, valves, or sprockets while 4140 may be used �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� crankshafts, gears, collars, and machinery parts.

There aren’t a ton of differences between 4140 and 4150, and it can get confusing knowing which one will be ideal �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� your project. Talk to a Clifton Steel representative to find out if 4140 or 4150 would be better �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� your needs.

The post Differences Between 4140 Steel And 4150 Steel first appeared on Clifton Steel.

AR400 Steel Vs AR500 Steel

FreshySites — Sun, 09 May 2021 14:08:41 +0000

Abrasion Resistant steel��is one of our most popular products at Clifton Steel.��With 4-5 different options, how do you know which option is best suited �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� your project? The easiest way is to��talk to a Clifton Steel representative, but another option is to learn about what it is and what the differences are.

WHAT IS AR STEEL PLATE?

Be�ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��e we get into the differences between the two most popular abrasion resistant grades, let’s cover quickly what AR plate is. Abrasion-resistant (AR) steel plate is a high-carbon alloy steel. Due to the added alloys, it is �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��mable and weather-resistant, and the addition of carbon makes it harder when heat treated. With these properties, AR steel is ideal �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� projects where failure of the material comes from wear and tear or abrasions

What do the numbers mean?

With abrasion resistant steel you’ve probably noticed there is usually a number after the AR, such as AR400, AR450, AR500. You might be wondering, why is it there and what does it mean? The number is referring to the hardness range of the steel. The hardness number is based on the Brinell scale. The Brinell scale measures the size of the indentation left by a steel ball with a specific amount of �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��ce behind it. Typically, a 10 mm hardened steel ball is used with a �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��ce of 3,000 kgf to create the indentation, and a calibrated scope is used to read the size of the indentation. You’ll see “BHN�� (Brinell Hardness Number) when referring to numbers of hardness.

What is ar400 steel?

AR400 steel plate is abrasion resistant steel that has a hardness between 360 BHN and 440 BHN. AR400 steel has a large range of general applications. It per�ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��ms particularly well in conditions where impact resistance has a higher importance than abrasion resistance. You can learn more about our AR400 steel plate here.

What is ar500 steel?

AR500 steel plate is chemically similar to AR400 steel plate, except the hardness range is higher and it has more carbon and manganese than AR400. These elemental differences help the steel achieve a higher surface hardness. To be classified as AR500, the hardness needs to clock in between 477 BHN and 550 BHN. To read more about AR500 steel, click here.

What’s the difference?

The major difference is impact resistance. AR500 has higher abrasion resistance, but AR400 has higher impact resistance. That sounds the same to me, but it isn’t. Let’s break it down with a real-world situation.

I work at a rock quarry and I’m looking to line different pieces of equipment with abrasion resistant steel plate. I have a fleet of dump trucks, and the bed of the trucks are usually lined with removable bed liners. The beds take a lot of impact when the rocks fall into the bed after being excavated, so I need something that will hold up and will be less likely to shatter from the falling rocks. I’m going to choose AR400 plate �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� this because AR400 is really good �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� projects with high impact compared to AR500. Since AR400 plate is softer than AR500 plate, it can withstand more impact without cracking or shattering.

Same quarry, same rocks, new piece of equipment. After we have the rocks in the bed of the truck, they need to go somewhere. The next step is dumping the rocks into a conveyor system to be sorted and then sized in a rock crusher. After the rocks leave the rock crusher, they slide into a chute. I have to update this chute liner, and I’m going to choose

AR500 steel because the rocks are just sliding down instead of being thrown or dropped onto it. AR500 steel can withstand the abrasion that the rocks cause by sliding better than the AR400 steel, meaning it would last longer.

I still have questions

That’s okay! Give us a call, or fill out our quote request �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��m, let us know what kind of project you’re working on, and we can help figure out which steel is the best option �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� you.

The post AR400 Steel Vs AR500 Steel first appeared on Clifton Steel.

Clif-Clad Chromium Carbide Overlay Commonly Asked Questions

FreshySites — Wed, 30 Dec 2020 14:57:20 +0000

Clifton steel specializes in wear products designed to prolong the life of steel in both equipment and fabrications. Our premier product, Clif-Clad, offers superior protection in a variety of applications where excessive wear is a factor. In our video, we address some of the most commonly asked questions about chromium carbide overlay.

How does clif-clad compare to ar plate?

Clifton steel specializes in wear products designed to prolong the life of steel in both equipment and fabrications. Our premier product, Clif-Clad, offers superior protection in a variety of applications where excessive wear is a factor. Let’s address some commonly asked questions about this Chromium Carbide Overlay product and how it will best serve you.

Top Left: Test plates of AR steel and Clif-Clad Chromium Carbide Overlay plate with circle resistant test. Top Right: AR plate and Clif-Clad Chromium Carbide Overlay plate with an abrasion-resistant grinding test. Bottom Left: Close up view of the circle test Bottom Right: Abrasion test comparison between AR plate and Chromium Carbide Overlay plate.

As you can see by the above images, the Clif-Clad Chromium Carbide Overlay plate has a higher abrasion and impact resistance level than the AR plate.

How is clif-clad made?

The chromium carbide overlay is applied to a carbon steel base plate using an automated seam welder. Now, multiple layers of overlay can be applied to one base plate as long as the thickness of the overlay does not exceed the thickness of the baseplate being used. This process generates our stock overlay plate which is typically sold in 48�� x 120�� sheets. Larger widths are available, upon request, up to a maximum of 90 inches. For smaller parts, or �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� leading edges, the same overlay can be applied by hand using a MIG or stick motor application.

Are surface cracks normal?

The surface cracks are a normal occurrence. They are stress relief cracks that occur as the plate shrinks as it cools. The cracks do not travel into the base plate, and there�ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��e do not compromise the integrity of the material. As you can see from the top left photo, the base plate has no cracks and is not compromised in any way.

Is the overlay secure in its fusion to the baseplate?

It is secure. The overlay process causes the overlay to fuse to the baseplate to prevent it from peeling away. This end process gives us our desired nominal thickness.

What is “nominal thickness”?

This is how we measure the total thickness of a finished Clif-Clad plate, with an overall tolerance of + or �� 1/16 of an inch.

For example, a 1/2�� nominal plate is typically a 1/4�� overlay applied to a 1/4�� of base plate. The end result will be a plate that ranges between 7/16�� and 9/16�� thick, hence 1/2�� nominal thickness.

How easy is clif-clad to work with?

Clif-Clad is not difficult to work with so long as the proper procedures are followed. When cutting Clif-Clad, only plasma or waterjet must be used. The material cannot be flame, laser, or saw cut. Due to the extreme hardness, it cannot be drilled or CNC machined, but it can be Blanchard ground.

When is clif-clad not preferable to use?

It is chiefly used as a liner material, the overlay itself however, has no structural integrity. It can be used in fabrications on it’s won, �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� example in �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��med pipes, but any welds or seams that require structural integrity must be adhered to the base plate and not the overlay itself.

When is clif-clad preferable to use?

Any areas which receive excessive wear or impact. Clif-Clad can increase the life of these components by 3-5x in many applications. Between CC and AR plate, if structural integrity is not a factor, I would choose the overlay Clif-Clad 100% of the time �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� the increased life expectancy it would give your material components.

Contact��a Clifton Seel overlay expert to find out how��Clif-Clad Chromium Carbide Overlay��can benefit you!

The post Clif-Clad Chromium Carbide Overlay Commonly Asked Questions first appeared on Clifton Steel.

Welding Wire: FAQ

FreshySites — Wed, 19 Feb 2020 15:33:28 +0000

What is welding wire?

A welding wire is a slim metallic rod that is ignited to generate a heated arc �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� the purpose of fusing metal pieces together (welding) by rendering the wire soft via hammering or compressing under an applied heat source. Or to put it simply, the wire is the medium that is used to fuse two metal objects during the MIG welding process. With the application of extreme heat (in this case, an electrical arc), the wire is melted and fused to the objects to be joined.

Wait, what is mig welding?

MIG stands �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� Metal Inert Gas, which is the type of welding we do here at Clifton. Argon gas is run through the weld lead and introduced into the arc during the welding process. This stabilizes the weld until it sets, which only takes 1 second or so. Without the argon gas, the weld would collapse in that 1 second span causing porosity. Porosity is a weld that is puckered with holes; it has no structural integrity and will not hold under any significant �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��ce.

Why is the wire important?

Without the wire, there would be nothing to create the bond (or fusion) between the two objects. Its more than just gluing them together- when actual fusion is achieved the wire takes on some of the properties of the joined materials, essentially making them become one.

What is it made of?

Welding wires are developed to be compatible with the materials being welded, there�ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨��e they have different chemistries. It’s important to know the chemistry of the materials being welded. You can view our different welding wire products��here��to see the chemistries.

Can wire go bad?

If stored properly (in the original packaging, in a dry place, at room temperature, away from moisture, etc) wire will last a very long time, even years. Once the wire is exposed to the elements or excessive moisture, it is probable that it will begin to rust or pick up dust and debris from the air. These factors will eventually compromise the integrity of the wire.

How do you choose the best wire �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� your project?

The chemistry of the wire must be compatible with the materials you are joining. For example- our��Workmate��wire will create a satisfactory weld on most abrasion-resistant steel, carbon steel, overlay, and most other carbon-based mild steels. It’s important to note the��tensile strength��of the materials to be joined. The weld joint will precipitate some of the strength and physical properties from the materials being welded. For higher-strength welds��Tensaweld Nickle-90��provides more robust physical properties.

For materials (such as welding manganese to stainless steel, manganese to manganese, or stainless to stainless) a variable blend stainless steel wire must be used; The��Tensaweld Mang-312��has a chemistry developed to be compatible with our��Tensamang materials which will ensure sound welds.

If you have more questions about welding wire or want help figuring out which wire is best �ǲ�ϵ��ȫƽ̨�� your project,��give us a call��and talk to one of our sales representatives.

The post Welding Wire: FAQ first appeared on Clifton Steel.